A comprehensive A–Z reference of Sikh terms — theology, practice, scripture, history, and philosophy — with Gurmukhi, pronunciation, and Gurbani references.
Pride or ego; one of the five vices in Sikh philosophy and closely related to Haumai. Ahankar is the false pride that comes from identifying with one's achievements, status, beauty, or knowledge, forgetting that all gifts come from God. The antidote to Ahankar is Nimrata (humility) — recognising that everything belongs to God.
The Timeless One; a fundamental attribute of God in Sikhism. Akal signifies that God exists beyond time — without beginning, without end, and unaffected by the passage of time. The Sikh place of worship is called the Akal Takht (Throne of the Timeless).
The continuous, uninterrupted reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end, completed in approximately 48 hours. Akhand Paath is performed on special occasions such as Gurpurabs, weddings, and family milestones. Readers take turns in shifts to ensure the reading is never interrupted. The Akhand Paath concludes with the Bhog ceremony and Ardas.
The sacred nectar used in the Amrit Sanchar (Khalsa initiation ceremony). Amrit is prepared by dissolving Patasas (sugar crystals) in water while the Five Banis are recited. It is also used metaphorically to mean the divine Name of God, which is considered the true nectar of immortality.
The Khalsa initiation ceremony in which a Sikh formally joins the Khalsa Panth by drinking Amrit. The ceremony was established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on Vaisakhi 1699. Five Panj Pyare (beloved ones) administer the Amrit while reciting the Five Banis. The initiate receives the Five Ks and takes vows of the Khalsa code of conduct (Rehat Maryada).
The Sikh marriage ceremony, literally 'Blissful Union'. The ceremony involves four circumambulations (Laavan) of the Guru Granth Sahib while the Laavan hymn by Guru Ram Das Ji is sung. Each Lavan represents a stage of the soul's journey towards union with God, making the marriage both a worldly and spiritual union. The ceremony was formalised by the Anand Marriage Act of 1909.
The Sikh prayer of supplication recited at the beginning and end of all Sikh ceremonies, gatherings, and important undertakings. Ardas is a standing prayer that begins with the invocation of God and the Gurus, commemorates Sikh martyrs and heroes, and concludes with a petition for the welfare of all humanity. It is not found in the Guru Granth Sahib but has evolved as a living prayer of the Sikh community.
The sacred hymns and compositions of the Sikh Gurus and other saints recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib. Gurbani (Guru's Bani) refers specifically to the divine Word revealed through the Gurus. The Sikhs believe that Bani is not the personal composition of the Gurus but the direct Word of God spoken through them.
The ceremonial fly-whisk (chauri) waved over the Guru Granth Sahib as a mark of reverence and sovereignty. The waving of the Chaur Sahib is a tradition inherited from the royal courts of India, where it was used to honour kings. Its use over the Guru Granth Sahib signifies that the scripture is the eternal living Guru and sovereign of the Sikhs.
The Sikh practice of donating one-tenth of one's income to the community and charitable causes. Dasvandh is a voluntary act of selfless giving (Seva) that supports the Langar (community kitchen), Gurdwara maintenance, and charitable works. It embodies the Sikh principle of Vand Chhakna (sharing with others).
A person who reads and recites the Guru Granth Sahib in a Gurdwara and performs Sikh ceremonies. The Granthi is the custodian of the Guru Granth Sahib and leads the congregation in prayers, Ardas, and ceremonies such as Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding) and Naam Karan (naming ceremony). The Granthi is not a priest in the hierarchical sense — any Sikh can perform these functions.
The sacred hymns and compositions of the Sikh Gurus as recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib. Gurbani is considered the direct Word of God revealed through the Gurus. Sikhs believe that reciting, listening to, and meditating on Gurbani purifies the mind and leads the soul towards union with God.
The Sikh place of worship, literally 'the gateway to the Guru'. A Gurdwara is any place where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and revered. It serves as a community centre, place of prayer, and home of the Langar. The Gurdwara is open to people of all faiths, castes, and backgrounds — a living expression of Sikh egalitarianism.
One who is God-oriented; a person who follows the Guru's teachings and has turned their face towards the Divine. The Gurmukh is the ideal Sikh — one who has conquered the ego (Haumai), practises Naam Simran, lives in Seva, and sees God in all creation. The Gurmukh is contrasted with the Manmukh (self-willed person) who follows the dictates of the ego.
A Sikh holy day commemorating a significant event in the life of a Sikh Guru — typically a birth anniversary (Prakash Utsav) or martyrdom anniversary (Shaheedi Diwas). Gurpurabs are celebrated with Akhand Paath (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), Nagar Kirtan (processions), Langar, and Kirtan. The most widely celebrated Gurpurab is the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
A devoted Sikh who follows the Guru's teachings with sincerity and commitment. A Gursikh rises before dawn for Amrit Vela (the ambrosial hours), recites Nitnem, practises Naam Simran, serves the Sangat, and lives by the values of truth, compassion, and humility. The Gursikh embodies the ideal of the Gurmukh — one who has turned their face towards the Guru.
Ego; the false sense of 'I' or self-centredness that separates the soul from God. Haumai is considered the root cause of all suffering and the primary obstacle to spiritual liberation in Sikh philosophy. It manifests as pride, greed, attachment, lust, and anger (the five thieves). The purpose of Sikh spiritual practice is to dissolve the Haumai through Naam Simran and Seva.
The divine command or edict; the random opening of the Guru Granth Sahib to receive God's guidance for the day. In Gurdwaras, the Hukamnama is taken each morning by opening the Guru Granth Sahib at a random page and reading the first complete Shabad. The Hukamnama from Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar is considered the daily divine command for the entire Sikh community worldwide.
The opening symbol of the Guru Granth Sahib and the foundational statement of Sikh theology: 'There is One God'. Ik Oankaar declares the absolute unity and oneness of God — that the same Divine Reality underlies all of creation. It is the first phrase of the Mool Mantar and is considered the most sacred symbol in Sikhism.
Lust or excessive desire; one of the five vices (Panj Doot or five thieves) in Sikh philosophy. Kaam refers not just to sexual desire but to any excessive craving or attachment that distracts the soul from God. The other four vices are Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment), and Ahankar (pride/ego). The antidote to Kaam is contentment (Santokh) and devotion to God.
The sacred pudding distributed at the end of every Sikh ceremony and Gurdwara service. Karah Prashad is made from equal parts of whole wheat flour, ghee (clarified butter), and sugar, cooked while prayers are recited. It is distributed to all present without distinction of caste, religion, or status — a powerful symbol of equality and divine grace.
The community of initiated Sikhs who have taken Amrit and follow the Khalsa code of conduct (Rehat Maryada). The Khalsa was established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on Vaisakhi 1699 CE. The word Khalsa means 'pure' or 'sovereign' — the Khalsa belongs directly to God (Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa). Members of the Khalsa wear the Five Ks and uphold the values of justice, courage, and service.
The devotional singing of Gurbani (sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib) to musical accompaniment. Kirtan is considered one of the highest forms of Sikh worship. The Guru Granth Sahib itself is set to 31 classical Indian musical modes (Raags), indicating that music is integral to Gurbani. Kirtan is performed in Gurdwaras, homes, and at all Sikh ceremonies.
Anger or wrath; one of the five vices in Sikh philosophy. Krodh is the destructive anger that clouds the mind, damages relationships, and separates the soul from God. The antidote to Krodh is forgiveness (Kshama) and patience (Dheeraj). Gurbani teaches that anger burns the one who is angry, not just the object of anger.
The community kitchen and free meal served at every Gurdwara to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, or social status. Langar was instituted by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalised by subsequent Gurus as a practical expression of equality (Sarbat da Bhala) and selfless service (Seva). Everyone sits on the floor at the same level to eat together, symbolising the abolition of social hierarchy.
Greed or covetousness; one of the five vices in Sikh philosophy. Lobh is the insatiable desire for more — more wealth, more power, more possessions — that prevents the soul from finding contentment and peace. The antidote to Lobh is Santokh (contentment) and Dasvandh (sharing one's wealth).
One who is self-willed; a person who follows the dictates of their own mind and ego rather than the Guru's teachings. The Manmukh is driven by the five vices (Kaam, Krodh, Lobh, Moh, Ahankar) and remains separated from God. The Manmukh is contrasted with the Gurmukh (God-oriented person) in Gurbani as a teaching device to illustrate the two paths available to the soul.
Attachment or worldly infatuation; one of the five vices in Sikh philosophy. Moh is the excessive attachment to worldly things — family, possessions, status — that binds the soul to the cycle of birth and death. The antidote to Moh is Vairag (detachment) — not abandoning the world, but not being enslaved by it.
The fundamental creed of Sikhism, the opening verse of the Guru Granth Sahib composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Mool Mantar defines the nature of God: One Universal Creator, Truth by Name, Creative Being, Without Fear, Without Hatred, Timeless Form, Unborn, Self-Existent, realised by the Guru's Grace. It is the most sacred text in Sikhism and is recited daily by Sikhs.
The Name of God; the divine reality that pervades all of creation. In Sikh theology, Naam is not merely a word or label but the living presence of God that sustains the universe. Naam Simran (remembrance of the Name) is the central spiritual practice of Sikhism — through constant meditation on the Naam, the soul is purified and ultimately merges with the Divine.
The practice of meditating on and remembering the Name of God (Waheguru). Naam Simran is the cornerstone of Sikh spiritual practice. It involves the continuous, mindful repetition of 'Waheguru' or other divine names, either silently or aloud, with full attention and devotion. Through Naam Simran, the mind is cleansed of ego and the soul draws closer to God.
Divine Grace or Glance of Grace; the merciful gaze of God that bestows spiritual liberation. In Sikh theology, Nadar is the unearned, unconditional grace of God that enables the soul to receive the Naam and merge with the Divine. No amount of ritual, learning, or effort alone can achieve liberation — it is ultimately bestowed through God's Nadar.
Without Fear; one of the fundamental attributes of God in the Mool Mantar. God is Nirbhau — completely fearless, as there is nothing outside of God that could cause fear. This attribute also serves as an ideal for the Sikh — to live fearlessly in the service of truth and justice, without fear of any worldly power.
Without Hatred or Enmity; one of the fundamental attributes of God in the Mool Mantar. God is Nirvair — completely without hatred, as God loves all of creation equally. This attribute is also an ideal for the Sikh — to live without hatred, prejudice, or enmity towards any person, community, or religion.
The daily prayers of a Sikh; the five Banis that initiated Sikhs are required to recite each day. The morning Nitnem consists of Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, and Tav-Prasad Savaiye. The evening Nitnem includes Chaupai Sahib (as part of Rehras Sahib). Anand Sahib is recited at the conclusion of morning prayers and ceremonies. Nitnem forms the spiritual backbone of a Sikh's daily life.
The Five Ks — five articles of faith worn by initiated Sikhs (Khalsa). They are: Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (wooden comb), Kachera (cotton undergarment), and Kirpan (steel sword). Each K has deep symbolic significance. The Five Ks were instituted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji at the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.
The Five Beloved Ones — the first five Sikhs who offered their heads to Guru Gobind Singh Ji at the founding of the Khalsa on Vaisakhi 1699. They were Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh, and Bhai Sahib Singh — representing five different castes and regions of India. Today, the Panj Pyare lead Sikh ceremonies and administer Amrit.
A classical Indian musical mode or melodic framework. The Guru Granth Sahib is organised into 31 Raags, with each Shabad assigned to a specific Raag that enhances its emotional and spiritual impact. The Gurus believed that music is a powerful vehicle for spiritual experience, and that Gurbani sung in the correct Raag deepens the devotee's connection with the Divine.
The Realm of Truth; the highest of the five spiritual realms (Khands) described by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Japji Sahib. Sach Khand is the state of complete union with God — the ultimate goal of Sikh spiritual practice. In this realm, the soul is absorbed in the divine light, beyond all duality and separation. The other four Khands are Dharam Khand, Gian Khand, Saram Khand, and Karam Khand.
The holy congregation; the community of Sikhs who gather together for worship, service, and spiritual growth. The Sangat is considered one of the three pillars of Sikhism alongside Naam (meditation) and Seva (service). Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasised that spiritual progress is greatly accelerated in the company of the holy (Sadh Sangat). The Sangat is the living body of the Sikh community.
The welfare of all; a fundamental Sikh concept and prayer for the well-being of the entire humanity, regardless of religion, caste, or creed. Sarbat da Bhala is recited at the end of every Ardas (Sikh prayer). It expresses the Sikh ideal that one's prayers and actions should benefit not just oneself or one's community, but all of creation.
True Name; the second phrase of the Mool Mantar, declaring that God's Name is Truth. 'Sat Naam' is also used as a greeting and affirmation among Sikhs, particularly in response to 'Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh'. It affirms that the ultimate reality is Truth (Sat) and that God's Name embodies that Truth.
Selfless service; one of the three pillars of Sikhism alongside Naam (meditation) and Sangat (holy congregation). Seva is the practice of serving others without expectation of reward or recognition, as an act of devotion to God. It can take the form of physical service (Tan), mental service (Man), or financial service (Dhan). The Langar (community kitchen) is the most visible expression of Seva.
The divine Word; a hymn or verse from the Guru Granth Sahib. The Shabad is considered the living form of the Guru — the Guru's presence manifested in sound and word. Sikhs believe that the Shabad has the power to transform the mind and soul. The Guru Granth Sahib contains 5,894 Shabads composed by the Sikh Gurus and 30 other saints.
Meditation; the practice of remembering and contemplating God. In Sikhism, Simran refers specifically to the meditative repetition of the divine Name (Naam), particularly 'Waheguru'. It is the highest form of Sikh spiritual practice, leading to a state of complete absorption in the Divine. Simran stills the mind, dissolves the ego, and fills the soul with divine bliss.
Throne; the five seats of temporal and spiritual authority in Sikhism. The Five Takhts are: Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar), Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Bihar), Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur), Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded), and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo). The Akal Takht is the supreme seat of Sikh authority, from which Hukamnames (edicts) are issued to the global Sikh community.
The most important Sikh festival, celebrated on April 13 or 14 each year, marking the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Vaisakhi also coincides with the Punjabi harvest festival. On Vaisakhi 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji called the Sikhs to Anandpur Sahib and created the Khalsa Panth, transforming Sikhism into a community of saint-soldiers committed to justice and righteousness.
Sharing with others; one of the three pillars of Sikh practice as taught by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Vand Chhakna means to share one's earnings, food, and resources with those in need before consuming them oneself. It is the practical expression of the Sikh value of equality and the antidote to greed (Lobh). The Langar is the most visible institutional expression of Vand Chhakna.
The most common name for God in Sikhism, meaning 'Wondrous Enlightener' or 'Wonderful Lord'. Waheguru is the primary mantra of Naam Simran (meditation) in Sikhism. The word expresses awe and wonder at the greatness of God. The Khalsa greeting 'Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh' (The Khalsa belongs to God, Victory belongs to God) uses this name.